Does your brain ever decide to play pinball with your thoughts when you're trying to fall asleep? Counting sheep doesn't always do the trick to help alleviate this. Luckily, there are some ways that are proven to help you fall asleep so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day. 

Better sleep has been proven to increase cognitive functioning, improve exercise performance and improve hormone levels.

These simple tricks can help you catch some better Zzz's:

1.) Increase light exposure during the day- Getting enough daylight during the day helps keep your body's internal clock healthy. This allows you to fall asleep faster and get higher quality sleep at night. Try getting outside for an extra 20 minutes each day, and reap the benefits for your sleep!

2.) Stick to a sleep schedule- Be consistent! Going to bed at the same time each night and getting up the same time each morning can help your body fall asleep and wake up more easily. Following a sleep is a great way to practice good sleep hygiene.

3.) Make your bedroom extra cozy- Creating a better bedroom environment can be a major key to getting a better night's sleep. This means making sure your bedroom is quiet, relaxing, dark and relatively cool. Set the stage for a great night's sleep with light-blocking curtains, a fan, and a sound-machine. 

4.) Protect your teeth from night-time grinding- Wearing a night guard at night can spare you from the headaches, jaw pain, and tight shoulders you experience during the day. CustMbite's hard surface night guard protects your teeth from night-time grinding. It's the ideal item to add into your night-time routine so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. 

Better sleep can help you be your best each day. Making just small changes in your habits can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep you get each night!

Interested in learning more tips for better sleep?

Read more from The Sleep Foundation.